Northern Arc update on site progress and notification of site works (July 2021)
Countryside Properties at Freeks Farm
Countryside Properties were the first housebuilder to be appointed at the Northern Arc and are building 460 homes, over 50% of them as affordable housing. The first affordable homes are expected to be ready in late Autumn 2021 and the first private homes in Spring 2022.
Since our last update, the roads, drains and the majority of the foundations for the first phase have now been completed at Freeks Farm. Scaffolding is soon to be erected in preparation and you will soon be able to see the first houses and flats in construction. As a result of poor weather conditions throughout May and June, Countryside have worked hard to manage the mud and safety of the roads.
To the north of phase one, the new bridge is in construction and the flank walls of the bridge are now visible from Freeks Lane. The bridge is anticipated to be complete by September, this will then allow access for the works for phase two to begin.
The play area is in the final phase of development and a safety review is being performed with the aim of opening to the public as soon as possible.
John Sisk and Son at the Eastern Bridge and Link Road
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane. Since our last update, Sisk have created an access track to allow UK Power Networks to carry out works on overhead lines. Sisk have also improved an existing track, laying down stone to allow UK Power Networks access for their works.
Sisk will soon be carrying out works along Isaacs Lane which will involve construction of a site access road, site compound set-up and the erection of tree protection fencing which shields protected trees from potential damage during construction. There will also be a speed restriction in place of 40mph along Isaacs Lane, with lane closures in place between 12th and 16th July and again between 16th and 30th July 2021.
John Sisk & Son Ltd will be undertaking these preparatory works from Monday 12th July (8am-6pm) before starting construction of the Eastern Bridge and Link Road later in the summer. Work will be carried out in accordance with the associated planning consent DM/20/3247. A plan of the site and details of the traffic management is shown below.
If you have any questions about these preparation works or concerns during the work period, please email
Jackson Civil Engineering at the Western Link Road
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
During May and early June, progress has been made on the northern half of the new roundabout on the A2300. Temporary surfacing has been completed and the northern half of the roundabout has had traffic diverted onto it. This was in conjunction with the adjacent A2300 improvement works planned traffic switch over onto the newly constructed sections of road.
Works to the southern half of the new roundabout have now started, these works include excavating out the footprint of the roundabout, new stone fill, kerbing and utility works. Once traffic is switched over on the main A2300, work to finish the roundabout can begin.
Design work continues for the proposed roads coming from the new roundabout to the north and south, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Bellway
Homes England is pleased to welcome Bellway as the next developer at the Northern Arc. They will build 249 homes to the east of the site and develop some public open spaces including the Lowlands Farm extension to the Bedelands Nature Reserve.
Bellway pride themselves on building residential developments that quickly become established as positive additions to local communities. This objective of achieving a high quality sustainable design is very much at the forefront of the new homes Bellway are planning at the Northern Arc. Here they will be providing high quality, bespoke design houses that sit within significant amounts of open space for new and existing residents to enjoy, whilst also offering an opportunity to enhance biodiversity on site.
Bellway are running a pre-application consultation exercise ahead of their Reserved Matters planning application. We are excited to share their vision and ideas with you. People who already live closest to the site will be receiving a consultation leaflet in the post, so please keep an eye out for one, but we'd really like to get everyone's views on the proposals. You can find out more at the Bellway consultation site:
Consultation website: www.bellwaynorthernarc.co.uk
Freephone Community Information Line: 0800 294 1304